Belarus warns of immediate response to Ukrainian drone use

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov has issued a warning that his country will respond immediately if it confirms the deliberate use of Ukrainian drones on its territory.

His remarks came during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“If we establish that there are intentional actions involving the targeted use of drones against Belarus, the response, as stated by our head of state, will be immediate,” Ryzhenkov commented while discussing an incident involving Ukrainian drones that were shot down over Belarus in August.

Ryzhenkov expressed frustration over the ongoing discourse regarding this issue on international platforms, stating that it often leads to negative outcomes. He noted that discussions typically point to Russia's "special operation" in Ukraine as the root cause of these incidents, while Belarus is attempting to assert that the drones entered its airspace unintentionally.

On August 10, President Alexander Lukashenko reported the destruction of Ukrainian aerial targets over Belarus. He indicated that the interceptions were carried out by Belarusian air defence at an altitude of 1.5 km and suggested that the downed drones were likely attack drones from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Subsequently, Lukashenko's press secretary stated that the president is making every effort to prevent Belarus from becoming involved in the conflict in Ukraine. Lukashenko warned that any attack on Belarus by a foreign power would signify the beginning of World War III.

Additionally, Russia has previously promised to respond to any provocations against Belarus, highlighting the tense situation in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova